Religion. The thorniest of subjects. There are many biblical
allusions throughout the novel; the title itself is a biblical
reference, Bible verses head the vignettes throughout the book, and
the characters read and discuss the Bible. However, it doesn't
strictly adhere to any Christian denomination. If I worried about
marketing I would have done some cloying philosophy. But I don't want
to use people's faith as a marketing tool, so I will probably
alienate every organized religion in the known world. Non-Christians
will be put off that there are any references to God and Jesus at
all. Catholics may not agree with the portrayal of Yovana or Fathers
Joseph and Michael. Evangelicals may be offended by the violent and
sexual content of the story. (This ain't no Janette Oake novel.) But
as Maggie says, if you don't want to read about sex and violence, the
book to avoid above all others would be the Bible.
The
title - The inside page contains the Bible verse that inspired the
title:
“We
have these treasures in earthen vessels,
so
that the surpassing greatness of the power
will be of God and not from ourselves."
2 Corinthians 4:7
I'm
no Biblical scholar, so I won't attempt to comment on St. Paul's
intentions in writing this. I can say, however, that this verse never
captured my attention until someone explained that we, God's
children, are the earthen vessels. It fit in with the
theme of priceless riches that I wanted to write about. As a teacher,
especially, I love the idea that God has created each person with a
treasure inside. My job is to uncover it and help the student share
that treasure with the world.
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